AOPA needs our help!!!
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I don't mind who knows about me.
I am 44. I have been flying for 24 years but only have about 700 hours. I have a PPL, PIFR, NVFR, twin, tailwheel and aero endorsements.
I started my life as an appretice diesel fitter, got sick of that, tried the army, got sick of that and then spent 11 years as a radio installer in Telecom working in the NT. (Stayed in the army reserve until '93).
I quit Telecom in 88 and went to university in Townsville. I owned and operated a very sucessful dive operation based mainly on tourism but also doing some commercial work. I am a commercial diver, a master dive instructor and hold a coxwains certificate (low level commercial marine licence). This allowed me to eat while at uni. I sold the business in 92.
I graduated as an engineer in '94 and worked for Defence in Geraldton WA.
I now run the Space Systems team in the ACA. We do all satellite coordination and policy work for Australian networks. 14 people work with me. I also work at the ITU (an arm of the UN) where I lead delegations representing Australia at high level technical meetings.
I own a Grumman Tiger and an antique 1944 L2 warbird. I have been on the committees of the Canberra Aero Club, The Moruya Aero Club and the Midwest Aero Club (Geraldton WA). As well as AOPA I am in the AYA (Grumman Club) and the AAA (Antique Aircraft Association).
In addition to my degree I have a Masters in Engineering and am studying for a PhD.
Is that enough???
I am 44. I have been flying for 24 years but only have about 700 hours. I have a PPL, PIFR, NVFR, twin, tailwheel and aero endorsements.
I started my life as an appretice diesel fitter, got sick of that, tried the army, got sick of that and then spent 11 years as a radio installer in Telecom working in the NT. (Stayed in the army reserve until '93).
I quit Telecom in 88 and went to university in Townsville. I owned and operated a very sucessful dive operation based mainly on tourism but also doing some commercial work. I am a commercial diver, a master dive instructor and hold a coxwains certificate (low level commercial marine licence). This allowed me to eat while at uni. I sold the business in 92.
I graduated as an engineer in '94 and worked for Defence in Geraldton WA.
I now run the Space Systems team in the ACA. We do all satellite coordination and policy work for Australian networks. 14 people work with me. I also work at the ITU (an arm of the UN) where I lead delegations representing Australia at high level technical meetings.
I own a Grumman Tiger and an antique 1944 L2 warbird. I have been on the committees of the Canberra Aero Club, The Moruya Aero Club and the Midwest Aero Club (Geraldton WA). As well as AOPA I am in the AYA (Grumman Club) and the AAA (Antique Aircraft Association).
In addition to my degree I have a Masters in Engineering and am studying for a PhD.
Is that enough???
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Hmmm - what an interesting thread.
As a long time AOPA member and supporter thru thick and thin, I believe that those board members that did not agree with Russell, should have resigned - placing the association ahead of their collective ego's. The wrong person has stood down when in fact we need a Treasurer like Russell more now than every before.
Fact is that AOPA now needs a new clean image. To do this it would be necessary to have a complete spill of all board members at the next election. Nothing less.
Ten years ago, AOPA had asserts of around $75000, over 10,000 members and was a credible organization, a quite achiever if you like, and certainly no gross ego's that we have seen since. That all changed and we now have a situation where the very existence of AOPA is now at risk. That is the priority right now and any Board member that does not believe that should resign forthwith.
It is interesting to discuss with former members as to why they are no longer members. If what I hear is true then many do not like the style of some of the Board, especially the previous President. Having airline pilots on the Board may be a good thing but the image portrayed is perhaps not what the majority of GA people like. Trouble is that other suitable people have to put their hand up, and then as Bill Pike repeats, work ones guts out for little reward other than a warm and fuzzy feeling that you are doing the right thing.
We must now look forward and plan accordingly.... without the egos.
As a long time AOPA member and supporter thru thick and thin, I believe that those board members that did not agree with Russell, should have resigned - placing the association ahead of their collective ego's. The wrong person has stood down when in fact we need a Treasurer like Russell more now than every before.
Fact is that AOPA now needs a new clean image. To do this it would be necessary to have a complete spill of all board members at the next election. Nothing less.
Ten years ago, AOPA had asserts of around $75000, over 10,000 members and was a credible organization, a quite achiever if you like, and certainly no gross ego's that we have seen since. That all changed and we now have a situation where the very existence of AOPA is now at risk. That is the priority right now and any Board member that does not believe that should resign forthwith.
It is interesting to discuss with former members as to why they are no longer members. If what I hear is true then many do not like the style of some of the Board, especially the previous President. Having airline pilots on the Board may be a good thing but the image portrayed is perhaps not what the majority of GA people like. Trouble is that other suitable people have to put their hand up, and then as Bill Pike repeats, work ones guts out for little reward other than a warm and fuzzy feeling that you are doing the right thing.
We must now look forward and plan accordingly.... without the egos.
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Thanks snarak, It's a wonder woomera hasn't pulled the plug on this ANONYMOUS forum.
I hope for our (AOPA) members sake you can use your credentials to alter the AOPA website to an ANONYMOUS site and save the world from seeing our dirty laundry.
If, as ulm suggests a three factional Board, who the bloody hell is running the PR show. Faction #1 perhaps.
Struth !!!!!
I hope for our (AOPA) members sake you can use your credentials to alter the AOPA website to an ANONYMOUS site and save the world from seeing our dirty laundry.
If, as ulm suggests a three factional Board, who the bloody hell is running the PR show. Faction #1 perhaps.
Struth !!!!!
Strange - virtual dirty laundry is about as undignified as the real thing.
Hey Axiom: Next time you're talking to Bill, tell him I'm sure Leadsled is happy to post on his behalf as well.
Hey Axiom: Next time you're talking to Bill, tell him I'm sure Leadsled is happy to post on his behalf as well.
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snarek
I did not make any inferences about C172 or 747 drivers or directors
AOPA claims to represent GA - it does not
It represents its members - a lot of PPL's and a few airline types with private aircraft
I did not make any inferences about C172 or 747 drivers or directors
AOPA claims to represent GA - it does not
It represents its members - a lot of PPL's and a few airline types with private aircraft
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Interesting comment hurlingham.
A person can read a lot into those few words (this can be the problems with this form of communication).
Are you saying that AOPA represents people. If so is this individuals or a group of people.
Are you saying that there is no industry repsentitive. If so, are you also saying that AOPA should fill this!
TO ALL,
To quote the great Richie, (as per the 12th man) we are a team, and we will do it my way.
A person can read a lot into those few words (this can be the problems with this form of communication).
Are you saying that AOPA represents people. If so is this individuals or a group of people.
Are you saying that there is no industry repsentitive. If so, are you also saying that AOPA should fill this!
TO ALL,
To quote the great Richie, (as per the 12th man) we are a team, and we will do it my way.
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Axiom
I have no intention of closing this thread; as you know, censorship is something we don't do on PPRuNe unless there is uncivil, slanderous or libellous behaviour.
If there are issues that are unable to be discussed on your Forum then you are always welcome, within the PPRuNe rules to do so here.
There is absolutely no reason for Mr Hamilton to try to involve either Danny or yourself in order to post directly on this Forum.
He is always welcome here and should be quite capable of doing it himself, I remain a little confused as to his motives for not doing so.
Your President worked it out.
Registration is very simple and quick, only requires a valid email address and it doesn't contain any communicable diseases.
And to AOPAs benefit, I have to say PPRuNe is freely available to ALL without cost to them and provides access to close to 60,000 users worldwide and at my last count approaching 10,000 users associated with OZ.
If you wanted to get a message out, debate the issues for all to see, participate and learn how the non-members really feel in order to get them onside and inside, I couldn't think of a better place.
Having chosen to "close" the AOPA Forums to non members thus cutting off prospective members and the possibility of constructive contributions coupled with the "we won't talk to them unless they join and pay their money" routine, seems to me to be a churlish and self fulfilling prophecy.
On the evidence, it would seem that right now, AOPA needs them more than they appear to need or want AOPA involvement in their lives.
I don't believe that there is any PPRuNer who does not think that there is an important role for AOPA in the scheme of things.
But the membership have been much used and abused by the passing parade of travellers in the recent past and there are many fences to be mended whilst at the same time carrying forward the business.
It is the lost and new membership from it's natural constituency, that needs to be repaired, for it to return to its former credibility.
This will require an enormous amount of goodwill from every one.
triadics an esteemed and much respected very long term members post says much.
On another note.
To those who would challenge others to “come clean” on their anonymous identity or choose to demean or insult those that choose to do so.
It has always and ever will be YOUR inalienable right on PPRuNe to choose EITHER, TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, OR TO POST IN YOUR REAL IDENTITY and that you respect OTHERS rights in this regard EQUALLY.
THAT IS A PRIMARY CONDITION OF YOUR PRESENCE HERE.
The ONLY caveat being that if you transgress the bounds of decency, civility or the rights of others, PPRuNe reserves the right to ban you altogether or sin bin you for an appropriate time.
It will always be the right of those who choose to remain anonymous to remain so and this should be respected and will be protected by the Moderators
If you as a user for whatever reason choose to “out yourself” then that is your prerogative, it is NOT a justification to insist that another does likewise, it is NOT appropriate or fair to criticise their motives for doing so, nor will attempts to out others be tolerated. It is up to you then to weight the comment and response on the quality of the argument in the post.
Team Woomera
I have no intention of closing this thread; as you know, censorship is something we don't do on PPRuNe unless there is uncivil, slanderous or libellous behaviour.
If there are issues that are unable to be discussed on your Forum then you are always welcome, within the PPRuNe rules to do so here.
There is absolutely no reason for Mr Hamilton to try to involve either Danny or yourself in order to post directly on this Forum.
He is always welcome here and should be quite capable of doing it himself, I remain a little confused as to his motives for not doing so.
Your President worked it out.
Registration is very simple and quick, only requires a valid email address and it doesn't contain any communicable diseases.
And to AOPAs benefit, I have to say PPRuNe is freely available to ALL without cost to them and provides access to close to 60,000 users worldwide and at my last count approaching 10,000 users associated with OZ.
If you wanted to get a message out, debate the issues for all to see, participate and learn how the non-members really feel in order to get them onside and inside, I couldn't think of a better place.
Having chosen to "close" the AOPA Forums to non members thus cutting off prospective members and the possibility of constructive contributions coupled with the "we won't talk to them unless they join and pay their money" routine, seems to me to be a churlish and self fulfilling prophecy.
On the evidence, it would seem that right now, AOPA needs them more than they appear to need or want AOPA involvement in their lives.
I don't believe that there is any PPRuNer who does not think that there is an important role for AOPA in the scheme of things.
But the membership have been much used and abused by the passing parade of travellers in the recent past and there are many fences to be mended whilst at the same time carrying forward the business.
It is the lost and new membership from it's natural constituency, that needs to be repaired, for it to return to its former credibility.
This will require an enormous amount of goodwill from every one.
triadics an esteemed and much respected very long term members post says much.
On another note.
To those who would challenge others to “come clean” on their anonymous identity or choose to demean or insult those that choose to do so.
It has always and ever will be YOUR inalienable right on PPRuNe to choose EITHER, TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, OR TO POST IN YOUR REAL IDENTITY and that you respect OTHERS rights in this regard EQUALLY.
THAT IS A PRIMARY CONDITION OF YOUR PRESENCE HERE.
The ONLY caveat being that if you transgress the bounds of decency, civility or the rights of others, PPRuNe reserves the right to ban you altogether or sin bin you for an appropriate time.
It will always be the right of those who choose to remain anonymous to remain so and this should be respected and will be protected by the Moderators
If you as a user for whatever reason choose to “out yourself” then that is your prerogative, it is NOT a justification to insist that another does likewise, it is NOT appropriate or fair to criticise their motives for doing so, nor will attempts to out others be tolerated. It is up to you then to weight the comment and response on the quality of the argument in the post.
Team Woomera
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This doesn't help.
I don't like airport charges, they hurt me.
I don't like NAS.
So, in your more educated opinions, who do I vote FOR on the Board and who do I not.
1 vote is all the ammunition I have
Pat
I don't like airport charges, they hurt me.
I don't like NAS.
So, in your more educated opinions, who do I vote FOR on the Board and who do I not.
1 vote is all the ammunition I have
Pat
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I don't personally support LSC either, and I didn't when it was brought in. But I don't see how it can be changed now.
I used to not support NAS. I have since spoken to both Dick Smith and Mike Smith and am not so sure it is a bad as PPRUNERs think it is (apart from see and avoid).
Up to you who you vote for.
I used to not support NAS. I have since spoken to both Dick Smith and Mike Smith and am not so sure it is a bad as PPRUNERs think it is (apart from see and avoid).
Up to you who you vote for.
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Monkeyfly
AOPA should represent its members, but that depends on their articles or constitution
AOPA claims to represent GA - it does not. I do not think that there is an organization out there that does
AOPA should represent its members, but that depends on their articles or constitution
AOPA claims to represent GA - it does not. I do not think that there is an organization out there that does
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Hurlingham
AOPA represents its members. They are currently predominantly PPL and private owners. But there are a lot of Commercial GA people too.
GA to me is everything from AUF to Chtr. But I am a PPL and Private owner, those who voted for me knew that, I owned up to it.
I would welcome with open arms a 'real' GA representative on the Board. Even try to help them get elected. I once asked a lady CFI from JKT in WA to consider it. She said no (work reasons fairy-nuff).
So, if you want AOPA to represent 'all' of GA then join, nominate or get someone else too.
But may I ask, Bill Hamilton fought tooth and nail against Part 121B - who was that for???
AK
AOPA represents its members. They are currently predominantly PPL and private owners. But there are a lot of Commercial GA people too.
GA to me is everything from AUF to Chtr. But I am a PPL and Private owner, those who voted for me knew that, I owned up to it.
I would welcome with open arms a 'real' GA representative on the Board. Even try to help them get elected. I once asked a lady CFI from JKT in WA to consider it. She said no (work reasons fairy-nuff).
So, if you want AOPA to represent 'all' of GA then join, nominate or get someone else too.
But may I ask, Bill Hamilton fought tooth and nail against Part 121B - who was that for???
AK
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G'day Paddy,
Watch this space, keep your eyes and ears open, don't make decisions based on factional conflicts, don't listen to the old wags, keep an open mind and use your instincts to treat historical achievements as the basis for who you vote for.
We have a Board that is good for the next election date, albeit with a few who have not concurred with the majority at the last AGM and some resignees.
What you and I have to do, (as AOPA members), is to make sure the place is still intact for the next election so we can have open votes as called for in this thread.
We must also make sure our spelling is correctest.
Don't know what we can do if nobody nominates however;
Winge I suppose.
pprune is a good forum to get things off your chest (or breasts if we are talking to the opposite sex), and should be used to get some of the 10,000 odd ppruners in OZ to become members of AOPA and give GA in this country a loud voice instead of the whimper we hear now.
Seeing as you are new and recently a postee, I'll let you know who I am.
Lot's of people want to know and you'll be the first;
First name Elvis and I'm not a helicopter and I don't have two or more user names.
Enough.
One last thing, If Jimmy cracked corn and nobody cared, why did they write a song about him ? Have a good day mate !!
Watch this space, keep your eyes and ears open, don't make decisions based on factional conflicts, don't listen to the old wags, keep an open mind and use your instincts to treat historical achievements as the basis for who you vote for.
We have a Board that is good for the next election date, albeit with a few who have not concurred with the majority at the last AGM and some resignees.
What you and I have to do, (as AOPA members), is to make sure the place is still intact for the next election so we can have open votes as called for in this thread.
We must also make sure our spelling is correctest.
Don't know what we can do if nobody nominates however;
Winge I suppose.
pprune is a good forum to get things off your chest (or breasts if we are talking to the opposite sex), and should be used to get some of the 10,000 odd ppruners in OZ to become members of AOPA and give GA in this country a loud voice instead of the whimper we hear now.
Seeing as you are new and recently a postee, I'll let you know who I am.
Lot's of people want to know and you'll be the first;
First name Elvis and I'm not a helicopter and I don't have two or more user names.
Enough.
One last thing, If Jimmy cracked corn and nobody cared, why did they write a song about him ? Have a good day mate !!
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What I dont get is this. Why do people leave instead of voting someone out? Leaving serves no purpose to ALL concerned. Why not just vote him or her out.
Lost on me. If I think JL is doing a crap job, I vote someone else in. I'd rather have a say than not have a position to speak.
If people started staying as members, then their vote would be triple what it is worth now, and they would have the power to push directors out or in.
Like a government. Vote em out if they aint working for it.
Completely defeats the purpose of having elections if people are going to take their bat and ball when they don't get their own way. Lets put the fear into their eyes around election time, knowing if they haven't done anything they're gone!
Anyhoo
Dog
Lost on me. If I think JL is doing a crap job, I vote someone else in. I'd rather have a say than not have a position to speak.
If people started staying as members, then their vote would be triple what it is worth now, and they would have the power to push directors out or in.
Like a government. Vote em out if they aint working for it.
Completely defeats the purpose of having elections if people are going to take their bat and ball when they don't get their own way. Lets put the fear into their eyes around election time, knowing if they haven't done anything they're gone!
Anyhoo
Dog
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hurlingham
My opions.
There is a note that the members of AOPA are PPLs. You claim that APOA does not represent GA, and that there is no organisation that does. I AGREE. The problem as I see it is that PPLs are GA. Without a strong GA there will be no PPLs. Without PPLs there will be no GA. To my thinking, GA includes "mucking" around in "little" aircraft on survey work for $$$$ mining contracts, medical flight and the list goes on. BUT NOTE MY previous statement. Without PPLs there will be no GA, without GA there will be no PPLs.
OPTION. THE CURRENT (PROBLEM?) within the board is not people, but team-man-ship. Most (succesfull) people in aviation have very strong "personalilities". The current members of the board, including Russell, are most likely the people with the right experience. BUT THEY ARE WORKING SOLO.
OPTION. AOPA is fighting spot fires. It looks are individual problems. There are systemmatic (big work hey!) problems within aviation, and not limited to CASA (although they are the biggest). We need to repair the problem, not fix it. (Note, often the best repair is with small steps IN ONE DIRECTION)
Lets try again, with corect spelling
hurlingham
My opions.
There is a note that the members of AOPA are PPLs. You claim that AOPA does not represent GA, and that there is no organisation that does. I AGREE. The problem as I see it is that PPLs are a mojor part of GA. Without a strong GA there will be no PPLs. Without PPLs there will be no GA. To my thinking, GA includes "mucking" around in "little" aircraft on survey work for $$$$ mining contracts, medical flight and the list goes on. BUT NOTE my previous statement. Without PPLs there will be no GA, without GA there will be no PPLs.
OPION. THE CURRENT (PROBLEM?) within the board is not people, but team-person-ship. Most (sucessful) people in aviation have very strong "personalilities". The current members of the board, including Russell, are most likely the people with the right experience. BUT THEY ARE WORKING SOLO.
OPION. AOPA is fighting spot fires. It looks at individual problems. There are systemmatic (big work hey!) problems within aviation, and not limited to CASA (although they are the biggest). We need to repair the problem, not fix it. (Note, often the best repair is with small steps IN ONE DIRECTION)
My opions.
There is a note that the members of AOPA are PPLs. You claim that APOA does not represent GA, and that there is no organisation that does. I AGREE. The problem as I see it is that PPLs are GA. Without a strong GA there will be no PPLs. Without PPLs there will be no GA. To my thinking, GA includes "mucking" around in "little" aircraft on survey work for $$$$ mining contracts, medical flight and the list goes on. BUT NOTE MY previous statement. Without PPLs there will be no GA, without GA there will be no PPLs.
OPTION. THE CURRENT (PROBLEM?) within the board is not people, but team-man-ship. Most (succesfull) people in aviation have very strong "personalilities". The current members of the board, including Russell, are most likely the people with the right experience. BUT THEY ARE WORKING SOLO.
OPTION. AOPA is fighting spot fires. It looks are individual problems. There are systemmatic (big work hey!) problems within aviation, and not limited to CASA (although they are the biggest). We need to repair the problem, not fix it. (Note, often the best repair is with small steps IN ONE DIRECTION)
Lets try again, with corect spelling
hurlingham
My opions.
There is a note that the members of AOPA are PPLs. You claim that AOPA does not represent GA, and that there is no organisation that does. I AGREE. The problem as I see it is that PPLs are a mojor part of GA. Without a strong GA there will be no PPLs. Without PPLs there will be no GA. To my thinking, GA includes "mucking" around in "little" aircraft on survey work for $$$$ mining contracts, medical flight and the list goes on. BUT NOTE my previous statement. Without PPLs there will be no GA, without GA there will be no PPLs.
OPION. THE CURRENT (PROBLEM?) within the board is not people, but team-person-ship. Most (sucessful) people in aviation have very strong "personalilities". The current members of the board, including Russell, are most likely the people with the right experience. BUT THEY ARE WORKING SOLO.
OPION. AOPA is fighting spot fires. It looks at individual problems. There are systemmatic (big work hey!) problems within aviation, and not limited to CASA (although they are the biggest). We need to repair the problem, not fix it. (Note, often the best repair is with small steps IN ONE DIRECTION)
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Goodness gracious me, "primates", I guess it is the fairer of the sex that had the last word.
Lets put this to bed and get on with things.
One last question,
Who was the bloke/sheila that said, "I'll eat the next thing that comes out of that chicken's bum"
No need to answer, happy new year
Lets put this to bed and get on with things.
One last question,
Who was the bloke/sheila that said, "I'll eat the next thing that comes out of that chicken's bum"
No need to answer, happy new year
All,
Just to inject a tiny smidgen of fact into who AOPA represents, clearly the members AND affiliated organizations.
Where one to pick up any copy of an AOPA magazine, one could peruse the quite large list of Clubs and Schools who are affiliated.
Clearly far more than “mere PPLs and a few airline pilots with private aircraft”.
I am surprised that the AOPA “Director” who has been so prolific on this thread doesn’t seem to know or understand this quite significant fact.
Believe it or not, AOPA was started by a group of commercial operators, just after WW11, for their collective protection from the “good old DCA”.
Tootle pip!!
Just to inject a tiny smidgen of fact into who AOPA represents, clearly the members AND affiliated organizations.
Where one to pick up any copy of an AOPA magazine, one could peruse the quite large list of Clubs and Schools who are affiliated.
Clearly far more than “mere PPLs and a few airline pilots with private aircraft”.
I am surprised that the AOPA “Director” who has been so prolific on this thread doesn’t seem to know or understand this quite significant fact.
Believe it or not, AOPA was started by a group of commercial operators, just after WW11, for their collective protection from the “good old DCA”.
Tootle pip!!